How to Elope in DC at the Courthouse

When most people picture a courthouse wedding, they imagine something quick and efficient. You show up, sign the paperwork, and it’s done. Maybe you grab some lunch after, or maybe you don’t. If that’s exactly what you want, there is nothing wrong with that. But if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you want more.

Because here’s what I truly believe… your elopement is still your wedding day, and I don’t believe your wedding day should be rushed. The legal part might take 15 to 20 minutes. But your day can be 6, 8, or even 10 hours of celebrating, adventuring, and soaking in every single moment. The courthouse is one meaningful chapter of your story, but it is NOT the entire book.

As a Washington DC elopement photographer, I specialize in full elopement experiences. My collections begin at 4 hours, and most of my couples spend 6–8 hours celebrating in DC, because your day deserves the time to actually unfold.

A 15-minute ceremony does not mean a 15-minute wedding day.

If you’re envisioning more than just paperwork, if you want your day to feel intentional, relaxed, and genuinely celebratory, you’re in the right place! Learn how to elope in DC and turn your DC courthouse wedding into a fun, adventurous, all-day event that feels like you.

How to Start Planning Your DC Courthouse Elopement 

The DC courthouse is beautiful, and the process to elope there is super easy. Here is how we will start planning your DC elopement in 3 easy steps!

1. Apply for a Marriage License

Yes, this isn’t as fun as planning out what activities you want to do together, but it’s essential! In a few minutes, you can fill out the DC online marriage license application here or go in person to apply together. Plus, there is no waiting period in Washington DC, which means you can apply and get legally married on the same trip.

2. Choose Your Officiant to Elope in DC

You can be married by a judge in the courthouse, hire an officiant, or you can choose to self-officiate! Did you know self-officiating is possible in Washington DC? If you’re interested in that option (a lot of couples are!), you can check out how to self-officiate your own wedding ceremony in this blog post. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to elope almost anywhere in the city and allows you to choose unique locations!

If you want to hire an officiant, I have wonderful recommendations if you need them!

3. Decide on your Washington DC Elopement Photographer

Photography inside the DC courthouse is only permitted in the marriage ceremony room. That’s it. No hallway portraits, no grand staircase moments, nothing like that is possible, which is why it is important to plan additional portrait locations.

But that’s okay, because the courthouse is just one stop on your wedding day, and once you step outside? Washington DC becomes your backdrop! 

As a Washington, D.C. photographer, I know many great photography spots and activity ideas, and I understand all the rules and regulations regarding photography in the Washington, D.C. courthouse. I would love to capture your elopement! You can learn more about what it would look like to work together here.

Your Courthouse Ceremony Is Just the Beginning

I specialize in full elopement experiences in Washington DC. That means I’m not just showing up to take a few photos of your ceremony and calling it a day. I’m helping you design an entire wedding day that feels intentional, unrushed, and deeply personal to you as a couple.

Here’s the difference between a simple courthouse ceremony and a full experience:

• A slow, unhurried morning getting ready together (or separately if you want to have a first look!)
  
• Private vows at a meaningful location before or after the legal ceremony
  
• Wandering DC monuments at golden hour
  
• A celebratory dinner or champagne toast at a spot you actually love
  
• Taking beautiful photographs that feel like you, not staged and not rushed.
  

My collections begin at 4 hours because I believe your elopement deserves more than a quick appointment. Most of my couples book 6–8 hours, and it is not because they have to, but because once they start dreaming up their day, they realize how much they actually want to do.

Your ceremony might be 20 minutes. Your wedding day does not have to be.

What an 8-Hour DC Courthouse Elopement Could Look Like

An 8-hour elopement in Washington DC gives you space and lots of breathing room. It lets your day unfold naturally instead of feeling like a tight schedule you’re racing through. Here’s one way it could look:

6 AM: Getting Ready at the Hotel 

Slowly getting ready together and enjoying morning coffee ahead of the big day. If you get ready separately, you can choose to have a first look at the hotel rooftop or another nearby scenic spot.

7:30 AM: Exploring Tidal Basin

Take an Bber or hire a private driver for the day to help you get from Point A to Point B much easier, without worrying about parking! Sunrise is the best time to explore normally busy locations in DC, especially when it comes to the Tidal Basin during peak Cherry Blossom season.

9:00 AM: Legal Ceremony at the Moultrie Courthouse

Head to the Moultrie Courthouse for your legal ceremony at your scheduled time. You’ll go into the marriage room where you’ll be legally married!

9:30 AM: Private Vow Exchange at Smithsonian Castle

Then head to Enid A. Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian Castle, which is a beautiful location to exchange private vows after the legal ceremony at the courthouse. Then enjoy private moments, as you roam around the grounds for some elopement portraits.

11:00 AM: Visit the National Gallery of Art

After spending some time at the Smithsonian Castle, head to the National Gallery of Art. Museums are one of my favorite elopement locations in DC, especially on colder or rainy days. They allow you to slow down, warm up, and get creative without feeling rushed.

And if you’d like to learn more about how to elope at the National Gallery of Art, I have a full guide for you!

12:30 PM: Celebratory Lunch

If you’re eloping just the two of you, you should still find time to celebrate and have some food. When planning an elopement, it’s important to also plan for breaks to rest and enjoy a meal. You can do whatever you want! Some other options include celebrating with a fun cocktail at rooftop bars and cafes, staying at chic, modern boutique hotels, enjoying a luxury picnic, or taking boat tours on the Potomac. 

Plus, if you want to include a few guests, there are plenty of restaurants with private rooms to rent for an intimate dinner or brunch reception.

Ways to Turn Your DC Courthouse Elopement Into an Experience

There are so many things to do and see in Washington, D.C.! You can explore the historic and iconic monuments, visit the white marble columns of the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, walk through the Cherry Blossoms in the spring, or enjoy the FREE art museums.

Here are some of my favorite ways to fill your day:

Iconic DC Portrait Locations

• Lincoln Memorial at sunrise
• National Gallery of Art (pro tip: go on a weekday to avoid crowds!)
• The Library of Congress is one of the most stunning interiors in the city
• Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin in spring
• The East side of the Capitol Building at dusk
• Constitution Gardens

More Elevated Celebrations

• Private dining room for an intimate dinner or brunch reception
• Luxury picnic setup with a view
• Champagne toast somewhere iconic
• Boutique hotel afternoon retreat
• Rooftop bar cocktails
• Private yacht on the Potomac River

Adventures Around the City

• Paddle boating at the Tidal Basin
• Scooter ride through the neighborhoods
• Renting a vintage or classic car
• Museum dates (the Smithsonians are free!)
• Night portraits with flash photography for something moody and editorial
• Boat tour on the Potomac
• Food trucks, retro arcade bars, breweries — whatever feels like you

You get to design a day that feels exactly like you. That’s the whole point.

Just make sure to check whether your chosen locations require permits or permission for private properties or businesses. The National Mall and the monuments, for example, require a photo permit – but no worries! I’m here to help you navigate the permit process and suggest other venue locations and vendor recommendations. 

What Couples Say About Their Full Day DC Elopements

“Juliana did an AMAZING job with our elopement! She helped us figure out our vision and plan, took the time to get to know us, make suggestions, and ultimately carry out some of the best photos I’ve ever seen! Friends and family have raved at how stunning the photos are. We’re so grateful that we chose her and I highly recommend her if you want amazing wedding photos!” – Ashleigh

“We absolutely loved our experience with Juliana! She was able to accommodate our last minute elopement and truly felt like an extension of our family. What stood out the most was how much time she spent helping us plan the day and making sure she understood every detail that we wanted included. Thank you so much Juliana!” – Tristen

“Juliana is one of the most wonderful humans I’ve ever met!! She was SO HELPFUL in every single aspect of the planning process – she helped us find vendors, plan our timeline, and met with us as often as we needed to come up with a game plan for our elopement. She captured every moment of our day so beautifully and we received our full album so much earlier than I expected!! Every single photo is perfect; she captured every single magical moment of our day. I could not recommend Juliana enough, and I have so so so much love for her and her work. Thank you SOOOO much Juliana for everything you’ve done for us!! <3” – Katie

Ready to Plan Your DC Courthouse Elopement?

I work best with couples who want their wedding day to feel like an experience. Not just a legal appointment, but a real, intentional experience that actually reflects who you are.  

If you’re envisioning at least 4–8 hours of celebrating in DC, if you care about the whole day and not just the ceremony, if you want thoughtful location guidance, and photos that feel personal and elevated, then we are probably a really great fit.

Every Elopement and Micro Wedding Package with Juliana Wall Photography Includes:

• 4 hours to two days of Photo Coverage with me, Juliana
• In-depth questionnaires, so I can truly get to know you and help create a day that feels right.
• Sneak peeks within 3 business days, so you have gorgeous photos to share ASAP.
• Personalized planning assistance – helping you with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines.
• A private online gallery – to easily download, share, and order prints of your photos.
• Photographer’s travel costs included 
• A new adventure buddy!

Let’s craft a meaningful wedding experience you’ll remember forever. To inquire about working with me, fill out this form and schedule a free consultation call.